I'm coming to the conclusion that my favorite plants are probably agaves and ferns. They're both so forgiving of extreme climate conditions and of neglect. I can't control the climate around here but I'm really good at neglect. These plants somehow manage to subsist and even thrive. If a cold winter appears to kill off the ferns, by golly there they are again in spring, sprouting right up and seeming to flourish. The agaves, as I saw in Mexico, don't seem to mind cold weather or searing heat. They do yellow a bit without water. Right now my irrigation system is awaiting servicing, so I'm keeping an eye on the plants and setting out the hose from time to time.
These are not rare or even particularly notable ferns, but they have one of my favorite virtues: Persistence.
So, as I work on a commissioned piece with a very general theme, I'm taking my attitude from the ferns. I'm going to keep at it, whether or not it goes together easily. I'm going to try to be graceful, unfurling nicely in place. I will avoid complaining about the heat, and I'll drink plenty of water.
As to the agaves, they are all transplanted from Huntsville. Small ones are in pots, while a couple of larger ones are in the ground. The latter are growing vigorously. I'm debating about putting one into a tall planter that's awaiting inspiration in the garage. I think I'll wait for a cooler day to make the decision.
While in Virginia at Sacred Threads we had time to visit Historic Herndon, where there is a really nice resale shop. I scored a large linen tablecloth in a 1970s-type print in taupe, dirty purple and mustard. Sounds yucky when I describe it--but with the addition of some fabric paint and a little blanket stitching it has now become a nice tunic-length jacket.
I'm calling this one "$3" because that's how much I paid for the tablecloth. I made the yoke from black cotton and appliqued several of the birds onto it. Metallic fabric paint on the yellow, lavender and purple parts. And I added a little light blue to the wings because I have a pair of light blue slacks i want to wear with this.
There were a lot of other things in the shop I'd like to have brought home, but my duffle bag was stuffed as it could be already. At least the tablecloth did not enlarge my stash--I made it up as soon as I got home.
And because I was such a good girl to get that finished, it justified a trip to the silk store in Houston for some glorious colors to use in another project. That's all washed, ironed, and fused, ready to go. Can't show it yet.
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